From April 5: Gardening workshops in Reno/Sparks

Spring Tune-up For Sprinkler And Drip Systems: With the rising cost of water it is becoming increasingly important that your irrigation system is in the best operating condition. Now is the time to check your irrigation system out and get it up and running in preparation for the long, hot days ahead. David, Ruf, owner, Greenhouse Garden Center in Carson City will be giving this seminar. Attend a seminar and receive a coupon for up to five items at a savings of 15 percent off. When: 10 a.m. today. Where: Greenhouse Garden Center, 2450 S. Curry St., Carson City. Cost: $2. Details: Greenhouse Garden Center at 775-882-8600.

The Art and Science of Drip Irrigation: Moana Nursery’s Irrigation Specialist Ryan Morgan and Plant Doctor Jon Bruyn will explain and show the basics of drip irrigation and how to determine if you have adequate coverage for your plants to thrive without wasting water. They will share tips that ensure efficient, effective watering. Please arrive 15 minutes early as seating is limited to 60 and is first come, first served. When: 10 a.m. today. Where: Moana Nursery, 1190 W. Moana Lane, in the Landscape and Design Center. Cost: Free. Details: www.moananursery.com or 775-825-0602.

Attracting Birds To Your Yard: Elona Lathrop of Greenhouse Garden Center will be giving this seminar. Lathrop, a local birder, has been counting and observing birds in Northern Nevada for several years. Her vast knowledge in bird identification and habits will be very interesting to all gardeners who enjoy attracting birds into their yards. Attend a seminar and receive a coupon for up to five items at a savings of 15 percent off. When: 1 p.m. today. Where: Greenhouse Garden Center, 2450 S. Curry St., Carson City. Cost: $2. Details: Greenhouse Garden Center at 775-882-8600.

Raising Poultry in Urban Settings — Garden Series Workshop: Are you interested in raising your own chickens? Backyard chickens are easy, fun animals to care for and they provide you with a steady supply of fresh eggs. With your own chickens, you can have fresh, healthy eggs packed with vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids. Learn the ins and outs of your own chickens, from building a safe and efficient coop to proper feed and care, to keeping your chickens warm and happy in the winter. When: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Where: River School Farm, 7777 White Fir St. Cost: $20. Details: http://market.river

schoolfarm.org.

Urban Roots Farm Camps: Week one: Monday to Friday; week two: April 7-11. Camp times are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (extended hours are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for an additional fee). Urban Roots Farm Camps are a tool for introducing youth to healthy choices while integrating math, science, language arts and art. Camp programs are designed to help children connect to the food they eat and encourage healthy eating habits. With a carefully planned natural campus accompanied with standards-based lessons, the farm is filled with educational resources that engage children throughout their camping journey. Campers are fully immersed in the day-to-day life on an urban farm, learning the basics of plant biology, animal care, and nutrition. Camp is filled with standards-based lessons, hands-on activities and games. When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday or April 7-11. Where: Urban Roots 3001 W. Fourth St. Cost: $150 per week. Details: Kim Daniel at kim@urgc.org or 775-636-5105.

Organic Vegetable Gardening Made Simple: Craig Frezzette, urban farmer and owner of City Green Gardens, will teach the basic steps of creating and tending an organic garden — from living soil and seed starting to providing weather and critter protection. Based on years of experience with his own high desert organic market garden, Frezzette has figured out how to successfully grow in our climate. He sells his produce to local restaurants, the public and the food co-op. Please arrive 15 minutes early as seating is limited to 60 and is first come, first served. When: 10 a.m. April 12. Where: Moana Nursery, 1190 W. Moana Lane, in the Landscape and Design Center. Cost: Free. Details: www.moananursery.com or 775-825-0602.

River School Farm Herb Walk — Garden Series Workshop: Come tour the grounds of the River School Farm and learn about the medicinal uses for common culinary herbs and wild plants. We’ll talk about simple medicinal remedies that are easy to prepare at home and ways you can integrate culinary herbalism into your cuisine. We’ll also discuss growing techniques for creating your own herb garden. The tour concludes in the River School Farm apothecary where we’ll explore ways to dry, store and prepare herbs. When: 2 to 4 p.m. April 13. Where: River School Farm, 7777 White Fir St. Cost: $15. Preregistration required the Thursday before the class date for the rate of $15. Drop-ins are welcome if space is available ($20 is the drop-in rate). Details: http://market.

riverschoolfarm.org.

Let’s Talk Fruit Trees In Northern Nevada: In Northern Nevada, there is a wide variety of fruit trees that will grow and will give you good fruit yield. There will be a selection of fruit trees available for purchase. Weather permitting, the seminar will be held outdoors so dress appropriately. Attend a seminar and receive a coupon for up to five items at a savings of 15 percent off. When: 10 a.m. April 19. Where: Greenhouse Garden Center, 2450 S. Curry St., Carson City. Cost: $2. Details: Greenhouse Garden Center at 775-882-8600.

How to Fight Alzheimer’s Disease from the Garden: Join Michelle Deetken, Ph.D., holistic nutritionist, gardener and local author for this primer on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. She’ll discuss why gardening is a great activity to combat Alzheimer’s, the importance of fresh fruits and veggies and the best ones for Northern Nevada gardens. She will have her book “Alzheimer’s Disease, A Holistic Approach” available for purchase (cash or check) and signing. Please arrive 15 minutes early as seating is limited to 60 and is first come, first served. When: 10 a.m. April 19. Where: Moana Nursery, 1190 W. Moana Lane, in the Landscape and Design Center. Cost: Free. Details: www.moananursery.com or 775-825-0602.

Honeybees 101: Honeybees long have been recognized as vital to successful pollination in plants and the health benefits of honey for allergy sufferers has long been appreciated. David Ruf, owner of Greenhouse Garden Center, will cover a variety of honeybee topics and how to build a hive. This seminar might be held outdoors, so a jacket may be required. When: 1 p.m. April 19. Where: Greenhouse Garden Center, 2450 S. Curry St., Carson City. Cost: $2. Details: Greenhouse Garden Center at 775-882-8600.

High Desert Gardening Basic Techniques: Gardening classes with Suzanne Adams. Understanding the horticultural conditions of Northern Nevada will help you get better results in your garden. Learn to correctly fertilize and water your landscape, lawn, proper pruning techniques for shrubs, perennials, roses and trees, along with proper planting techniques for new shrubs and trees. You will also discover how to recognize damage from insects, diseases, environment, cultural problems which will allow you to enjoy gardening success while minimizing costs and labor. This class is the nuts and bolts of Northern Nevada home gardening and is for those who want to improve understanding of gardening. Registration is required. Proceeds benefit the May Arboretum. Meet at the Ranch House. When: 9 a.m. to noon April 23. Where: Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, 1595 N. Sierra St. Cost: May Arboretum Society members $35; nonmembers $40. Details: 775-785-4153.

Gardening Naturally With Organics: Learn the ins and outs or gardening organically at home. Thomas Chaplin, program manager of Dr. Earth, will be giving this seminar. There are a wealth of organic products available for your home garden, including organic fertilizers, beneficial insects, soil amendments, critter repellants and more. Find out what’s available and how to successfully use organic and natural products. Attend a seminar and receive a coupon for up to five items at a savings of 15 percent off. When: 10 a.m. April 26. Where: Greenhouse Garden Center, 2450 S. Curry St., Carson City. Cost: $2. Details: Greenhouse Garden Center at 775-882-8600.

Beginner’s Guide to Bountiful Tomatoes and Their Cousins: Join Plant Doctor and longtime high desert gardener Jon Bruyn to learn how easy it is to successfully grow and harvest tomatoes and complementary warm-season vegetables in the high desert. He’ll discuss varieties and proper care throughout the season with an emphasis on container growing. While this presentation is tailored to the novice gardener, it will cover many tips that advanced gardeners will find useful. Please arrive 15 minutes early as seating is limited to 60 and is first come, first served. When: 10 a.m. April 26. Where: Moana Nursery, 1190 W. Moana Lane, in the Landscape and Design Center. Cost: Free. Details: www.moananursery.com or 775-825-0602.

Spring Fling: Spring has sprung, and we want to celebrate with you. Come by and meet some of the vendors and see what’s new for 2014. Great food and specials throughout the store. When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 26 and April 27. Where: Rail City Garden Center, 1720 Brierley Way, Sparks. Cost: Free admission. Details: 775-355-1551 or www.railcitygarden.net.

All About Summer Bulbs: One of the delights of summer is enjoying the beauty and smell of summer bulbs. There are a lot to choose from and now is the time to plant them for that summer enjoyment. Choose from lilies, glads, dahlias, crocosmia, begonias and more. Attend a seminar and receive a coupon for up to five items at a savings of 15 percent off. When: 1 p.m. April 26. Where: Greenhouse Garden Center, 2450 S. Curry St., Carson City. Cost: $2. Details: Greenhouse Garden Center at 775-882-8600.